to be totally confused about red ears and antibiotics??

[bluejellybean]

Why do some GP's give them to under 2's, some for 2 ears but not for one, some GP's for 1 but not if both ears are red, and some GP's don't give anything unless its REALLY REALLY serious????????

Totally confused.

My DS is really suffering with 1 ear and not geat at taking calpol. Had to pin him down today

I just don't get it!

my gp usually gives me a prescription for antibiotics if the ear is red but not grotty and advises to hold off for a couple of days to see if it resolves by itself. I think the NICE guidelines are that most ear infections are viral and antibiotics won't have any effect. If it continues to be a problem then it may be bacterial and hence the need for ABs

I suppose they would give them if they were convinced that it was a bacterial infection, and therefore antibiotics would be of use. The one ear/two ear thing I have no answer for.